Germany's CDU Leader Takes Lead On Reform With the tactical sharpness that has so often frustrated her rivals, German center-right leader Angela Merkel used a party convention in Leipzig on Dec. 2 to take the initiative in the national debate on economic reform.

Germany Launches Wide-Ranging Defense Reform The German government has until the end of this month to lay down the specifics for its 2005 defense plan, which will jumpstart a new effort to match the country's increased military commitments.